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I Stand
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I Stand
Current price: $20.99
Barnes and Noble
I Stand
Current price: $20.99
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is not known for being a
artist. Rather, she is most classically known for originating two modern Broadway dream roles: the outspoken lesbian Maureen in the long-running
, and the misunderstood Elphaba in
, a role that garnered
a Tony award. Throughout her
career,
attempted to capitalize on her fame and go for
stardom; her first swing at bat was a frazzled alternative album that couldn't find a proper fan base, the second attempt was a collection of Broadway cover songs, something that never materialized into success. Thus, twelve years after
first graced the stage as Maureen,
releases
. In order to create the perfect
album, she drafted
, the producer best known for his work on the 16-times platinum
album
. Along with
,
co-wrote most of the lyrics and created a set of
songs for her most mainstream release yet. Ultimately, the result is a mixed bag.
's voice is staunchly characteristic; it doesn't necessarily format to the catchy synthetics of 2007, and the songs feel inconsistent.
is awkward at times, as
's musical roots funnel through. The tracks scatter between
, and Broadway. On that note, though, a lovely remix of the much acclaimed
is pleasant on this collection of tunes.
is an empowering personal ballad which is a marvel; it's a better version of an
finale song, minus the corny confetti. Plus, the dance track
is a strong, upbeat number which flows in a similar vein to
's
Unfortunately, many of the tracks are impressive but not impressionable.
and
are indistinguishable among one another. And at only 11-tracks long,
really needed to make a stronger mark on the songs in order to impress a listener. Yet some tracks manage to characterize her better than others,
is a personal tune that glistens with potential, and
is a piano-influenced, midtempo piece that appeals to both a younger and older crowd while maintaining artistic creativity. Finally,
is the most "Menzel" track on the album; it characterizes her best. Ironically, she didn't even pen it, yet it dazzles and spins her voice into a weaving ballad of love and pain. Unfortunately, it is one of too few, and there isn't enough creative definition;
smoothed out
's edges too much, to the point where she falls into the crowd of solid yet insatiable artists who are pleasant, if not punching.
deserves mounds and heaps of praise, and
shows much potential in the big-voiced wonder; the tunes, however, don't support her talent and potential. ~ Matthew Chisling